NYU hospital unveils new biometric palm readers for patients

The NYU Langone Medical Center recently unveiled its new biometric palm readers to verify patients.

Using technology called PatientSecure, a biometric reader will scan a patient’s palm using an infrared light to create a unique map of their veins. This information is then stored in a database and linked to their electronic health record system ensuring accuracy and virtually eliminating the need for paperwork.

According to the hospital it is the first in the northeastern United States to implement such a system. It is estimated that fourteen other U.S. health systems have similar technology installed.

Last month NYU Langone launched a pilot program to test the biometric palm readers at its Internal Medicine Associates faculty group practice and is now offering patients the opportunity to join the program. So far more than 8,000 patients have joined PatientSecure.

Dr. Bernard A. Birnbaum, the senior vice president of hospital operations at NYU Langone, said, “Vein patterns are 100 times more unique than fingerprints. As a result, PatientSecure provides a safe, secure, easy and fast way for our patients to register for care at the medical center. It not only protects privacy and enhances quality, but will transform the patient experience.”

Hospitals frequently have difficulty in verifying a patient’s identity and bringing up the proper records. For instance at Langone, there are more than 125,000 instances of two or more patients sharing the same first and last names. This problem is further exacerbated if a patient is admitted while unconscious.

Now with palm readers, a patient’s records including their medical history, allergies, and medications are automatically pulled up even if they are unconscious, greatly improving the accuracy and quality of treatment.